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Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander

Bonanza Range

Located in the north of Vancouver Island, the Bonanza Range is a small mountain range between the Tsitika River and the Nimpkish River. The 150 sq km (57.9 sq miles) area is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River from Telegraph Cove and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.
While ascending, you will be amazed by the area's natural beauty, passing tall and beautiful trees and up at the peaks, spectacular views of lakes, packed trees, and pillared mountains are awe-inspiring. A logging road is provided for experienced hikers treated as a route leading mountaineers to the magnificent mountains throughout the range.


Bonanza Range Location

The Bonanza Range is located north of Woss, between the Tsitika River and the Nimpkish River. The area offers a perfect experience of the beautiful wilderness and gorgeous lakes such as Ida Lake, Bonanza Lake, and Nimpkish Lake. Lakes to the south face of the range are Claud Elliot Lake and Klaklakama Lakes. Warm Lake is north of the range, and to the northwest are Thiemer Lake and Roselle Lake. Some beautiful lakes are also west of the range, such as Anutz Lake, Huson Lake, Welch Lake, and Victoria Lake. Two beautiful Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park and Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park are worthy of visiting with a breathtaking view of nature and a lake with plenty of activities to do.
Should you have time, take a visit to Claud Elliot Provincial Park and its nearby Ecological Park, Mt Elliot, to the range's ease face. The nearby communities and towns are Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill.


How to Get to the Bonanza Range by Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Bonanza Range from Nanaimo is BC-19 N. It is a 330 km (205 miles) route and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After 3.3 km (2 miles) turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive for 302 km (187.6 miles) and continue on Upper Steel Rd to your destination in Garden Bay. After 25.1 km (15.5 miles), you will reach Bonanza Peak.

From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to the Bonanza Range from Victoria is BC-19 N, a 440 km (273.4 miles) route. It takes about 5 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Take BC-19 N to Steele Creek Rd/Upper Steel Rd in Woss and drive for 414 km (257.2 miles). Continue on Upper Steel Rd to your destination in Garden Bay. After 25.1 km (15.5 miles), you will reach Bonanza Peak.


The Hike to Get to the Bonanza Range

There is no designated hiking trail to get to the Bonanza Range.


History of the Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range's area is home to the traditional territory of the people of Namgis First Nation. The deep and rich legends and culture of Namgis First Nation are rooted in the area and mountains.


Things to do around Bonanza Range Area

While visiting the Bonanza Range, you would be entertained by several activities at the range and nearby Lower Tsitika River and Nimpkish Lake Provincial Parks. The range's peaks, such as Bonanza, offer an excellent climbing experience with stunning views of mountains covered with trees.
To the north side of the range, visit the beautiful Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park to be amused by fishing, cycling, and camping offered by the park. Roadways are provided for bikers to enjoy cycling in the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory. Random camping is allowed in the park with no facilities for enthusiasts to have a great time camping in the wilderness.
Nimpkish River Provincial Park and Nimpkish Lake offer enjoyable activities. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing are available outside of the park in the lake. Besides fishing in the lake and park, there are opportunities for biking, hunting, and skiing in the park, lake, and mountains' beautiful ambiance.

List of Mountain Ranges Near the Bonanza Range

Karmutzen Range

Karmutzen Range

The Karmutzen Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges. While visiting the Karmutzen Range, you will be fascinated by surrounding mountains winding through a beautiful old-growth forest and enormous trees. The area is a paradise for mountaineers. Up at the peaks, the view includes the trees covering the hills and Nimpkish Lake that lying within Nimpkish Valley walls.

Hankin Range

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range provides full of perfect adventurous sports such as mountain skiing with a snowboard store available. The area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Visitors will experience peace at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Bonanza Range Activities

Fishing

Opportunities for fishing exist in the Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park, Nimpkish Lake's freshwater, and Tlakwa Creek within Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park. Before fishing, check regulations issued by fisheries and oceans Canada. An appropriate license for angling is a must.

Skiing

In the beautiful areas near the gorgeous mountains of Tlakwa and Karmutzen, opportunities for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering exist in the Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park. Access to these areas is from Western Forest Products logging roads.

Climbing

Mountaineers would experience a lovely snow-capped gorgeous mountain climbing, enjoying the area's beautiful ambiance through hemlock forest overlooking lakes and tarns.

Cycling

Biking is possible in Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park with no developed trails and Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park in which bikers must keep on roadways. Helmets are mandatory.

Kayaking, Canoeing

Visitors would enjoy the environment of Nimpkish Provincial Park and the crystal clear water of Nimpkish Lake while canoeing and kayaking in the Nimpkish Lake.

Hunting

Hunting is possible in some portions of the Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park for specific species. For closures and regulations, refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication.

Swimming

While spending some time in the Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park, you would have fun swimming in the Nimpkish Lake outside of the park. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is perfect in Nimpkish Lake outside of the park. Nimpkish Lake is a hot spot for this thrilling activity. From the Western Forest Products recreation site, via Hwy 19, most windsurfers access the lake.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Bonanza Range

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

From Mid-June through October, you will have lots of adventures ahead of you in Telegraph Cove. While exploring the waters to observe Whales, you may encounter other marine creatures if you are lucky. Besides, other creators such as bears, eagles, sea lions and porpoises are observable.

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Adventure is a critical ingredient to keep your spirit alive. Enthusiasts can spend a splendid time camping in Cluxewe Resort campground, in which you are provided with both woodland and waterfront sites featuring all the necessary facilities. Other than fantastic camping, you may enjoy several outdoor activities, including both water and land activities. Also, the wildlife there can fascinate you and make the place unforgettable.

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

The old-growth forest on Vancouver Island's east coast maintains a great campground to spend a night. The Telegraph Cove Campground spoils the guests and visitors with colourful buildings, wonderful ocean-view, and a beautiful campground and resort with a spectacular atmosphere. Also, campsites and accommodations are facilitated for your convenience.

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

On the edge of Port McNeill, a quiet facilitated campground is provided for you to spend splendid time with family and friends. The Broughton Strait Campground is a beautiful spot to spend moments and observe the magnificent wildlife while appreciating the beautiful nature there in the forest. Also, anglers would be surprised by the various fish species living there.

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

On the entrance of Hardy Bay, Wildwoods Campsite is located in a rainforest. Many adventure offers are available in this campground in addition to undeniable chances of peaceful camping. For almost 30 years, this campground welcomes campers with great campsites, including all necessary facilities.

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

While exploring the lands of Northern Vancouver Island, do not forget to visit Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins to stay a day or two. This clean and safe campground provides you with amenities and chances to have a splendid time at a sandy beach, in which you can enjoy a meal of the fish you caught. The resemblance of this campground to paradise is uncanny, providing untenable forest tours.

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

As another significant paradise for paddling, kayaker and canoeists can lose themselves enjoying every single moment while they are on board. Besides the great adventure of surfing the water, paddlers can do other water activities and make their stay even more memorable. So, if you are a paddling freak, don't forget to prioritize Telegraph Cove.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

While exploring the northern parts of Vancouver Island, why not relax a day or two in a fantastic campground? Alder Bay RV Park & Marina offers undeniable RV camping with ocean views that can touch your soul. The great ocean-atmosphere, incredible marine life and gorgeous sunsets add up to the reasons why you should camp in this campground.

Nimpkish Lake Windsurfing

Nimpkish Lake Windsurfing

Enjoy different windsurfing right on the waters of the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. Nimpkish Lake is placed near a recreational site on the Western Forest, in which you are provided with ample opportunity to do different outdoor activities. Not to mention the eye-catching mountain views and wilderness areas that are offered in the lake's vicinity.

Bonanza Range Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There



1. Temperatures are related to Mount Ashwood and estimated on average.
2. Be well-equipped for climate conditions and check the weather reports before heading out.


What you Can Expect to See Near the Bonanza Range

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is a fantastic spot for photography with a stunning view of the ocean, famous buildings, and houses close to the rocky shoreline. You can expect to watch grizzly bears in spring, salmon in August, and millions of pink salmon return to spawn up the inlet channel in September. Telegraph Cove Campground is one of the full-service and breathtaking campsites in the area.

Port McNeill

Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small town but a large community in North Vancouver Island with the rich natural land and sea resources. It is the gateway to the protected spaces, islands, and waterways of the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. Being close to the shoreline gives you chances to watch wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, grizzly bears, black bears, elks, cougars, and deer.

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Located north of Woss, Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve has about 324 hectares (800 acres) area. It was established in 1989 to preserve representative old-growth montane forests and a small self-contained subalpine drainage, including Tsitika Lake, in its natural state. Nature observation, hiking and photography are permitted in Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve.

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave is a hidden gem and one of the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. The entrance is a gap on a rocky ground with no signs around and is surrounded by tall trees as it is placed in a forest. The cave is suitable for professional cavers and exploring it needs equipment. The fascinating formations, stalagmites, and stalactites are what you can expect.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Little Huson Caves

Little Huson Caves

Are you among the curious people? If the answer is yes, you are at the right place. Knowing what could be in a cave and its end is a desire a caver can not deny. Deep inside the mountain, find the stones endured from the natural elements. The water runs deep in the caves, carving its way through the mountain and polishing the rocks' rough edges. Want to explore it for more? Plan visiting Little Huson Caves, a series of mysterious caves.

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a recreation zone with a great unspoiled nature and a rugged wilderness setting located southwest of Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. This spectacular park is home to various trees valuable for the environment and black bears, black-tailed deer and a wide range of wildlife. Some parts of the park are open to hunting for specific species.

Karmutzen Range

Karmutzen Range

The Karmutzen Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges. While visiting the Karmutzen Range, you will be fascinated by surrounding mountains winding through a beautiful old-growth forest and enormous trees. The area is a paradise for mountaineers. Up at the peaks, the view includes the trees covering the hills and Nimpkish Lake that lying within Nimpkish Valley walls.

Hankin Range

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range provides full of perfect adventurous sports such as mountain skiing with a snowboard store available. The area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Visitors will experience peace at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains.

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park is a complete package located in Nimpkish Valley. You can explore 15 caves, have water activities in Nimpkish Lake and enjoy your time at the park or even mountain ranges in the area. The scenery features unique rock bridges and rock arches, flowing water, natural bridges and deep pools filled with crystal-clear green water from Huson Lake.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

With its tremendous and wild beauty and stunning landscapes, Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park is among the world's most magnificent places. Bald eagles and marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, otters, orcas and humpback whales are among the park's inhabitants. It is a hot spot for boating, especially sea kayaking and is a world-class saltwater fishing spot.

Nimpkish River

Nimpkish River

Keep your restless spirit of travelling to start exploring the longest river on Vancouver Island. The Nimpkish River extends from the west slope of Mount Alston, passes Nimpkish Lake toward the Broughton Strait. With a provincial park on its way, it gives you excellent chances to camp or to have a picnic in nature. Discover it all and the wilderness, or have some relaxing time during fishing.

Nimpkish Lake

Nimpkish Lake

Being in nature is one of the pleasures that one can have either for his leisure time or improving knowledge. Make better use of your time visiting Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. Track black-tailed deer, black bears, and other animals and watch birds. Enjoy freshwater fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, and mountaineering.

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